You should eat here in Santiago

My favorite restaurants | Santiago, Chile

[SANTIAGO, CHILE] — I only spent two nights in Santiago, so didn’t have a chance to eat around much, but here are places that I liked and would recommend.

In Bario Lastarria, which is where I’d just go an walk around, there are lots of cool places to duck into. In prime spot right on the corner is this nice little place with prime outdoor tables for great people watching, right on the corner of Paseo Barrio Lastarria…I think it might be called Gatopardo, but not sure. You can’t miss it, by the awnings and cool building backdrop below.

Bario Lastarria is a bustling tree-lined street by the University with shops, restaurants and bars. Tons of outdoor dining and people watching.

Restaurant whose-name-I-can’t remember in Lastarria.

The Paseo starts on a prime corner in Lastarria. You can duck down this alley and there are another six or so bars and restaurants, jammed with people at all hours. This is the perfect neighborhood.

Ducking down this alley opens up onto a whole plaza surrounded by jammed bars and restaurants.

Buffalo Waffles? In Santiago? Yes.

Who knew that hotdogs were one of the national dishes of Chile, especially in Santiago. They’re called “completos” — hotdogs with the works — and loved this quick serve standup hot dog stand in Lastarria called Hogs. Great design.

Mercado Central — located just off the city center, Mercado Central is really outstanding. A huge lumbering Victorian iron structure with lots of stalls and stands serving food and drink and happiness. Just go and spend hours there. You can read about it more on TripAdvisor and Wikipedia.